Clothes treatment apparatus

ABSTRACT

A clothes treatment apparatus comprises: a cabinet forming a treatment space for storing clothes; a filter module having a filter portion for filtering out dust from air passing therethrough; an air flow path having a plurality of preset flow paths for directing air to be discharged into the treatment space; a fan for moving the air in the air flow path; at least one valve disposed on the air flow path; a valve actuating module for actuating the valve; and a control part for controlling the valve actuating module so as to select one of the plurality of flow paths. The plurality of flow paths comprise: at least one bypass flow path for directing the air to bypass the filter portion; and at least one filtering flow path for directing the air to pass through the filter portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an air flow path structure in aclothes treatment apparatus.

BACKGROUND

A clothes treatment apparatus refers to all kinds of apparatuses formaintaining or treating clothes, such washing, drying, and dewrinklingthem, at home or at a laundromat. Examples of clothes treatmentapparatuses include a washer for washing clothes, a dryer for dryingclothes, a washer-dryer which performs both washing and dryingfunctions, a refresher for refreshing clothes, and a steamer forremoving unnecessary wrinkles in clothes.

More specifically, the refresher is a device used for keeping clothescrisp and fresh, which performs functions like drying clothes, providingfragrance to clothes, preventing static cling on clothes, removingwrinkles from clothes, and so on. The steamer is generally a device thatprovides steam to clothes to remove wrinkles from them, which can removewrinkles from clothes in a more delicate way, without the hot platetouching the clothes like in traditional irons. There is a known clothestreatment apparatus equipped with both the refresher and steamerfunctions, that functions to remove wrinkles and smells from clothes putinside it by using steam and hot air.

There is also a known apparatus that comes with a rack for hangingclothes in a treatment chamber, and that provides steam into thetreatment chamber where the clothes are hung or provides hot air whilecirculating the air in the treatment chamber.

Technical Problem

One of the problems with the conventional art is that it only allowslimited functional versatility when it comes to combining eachcomponent's functions and various air flow paths. A first aspect of thepresent disclosure is to solve this problem.

Another problem with the conventional art is that it is difficult toremove ultrafine dust clinging to clothes. A second aspect of thepresent disclosure is to solve this problem.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a clothestreatment apparatus with greater functional versatility by providingoutside air to clothes as necessary.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an efficientstructure for controlling the change of flow paths.

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is to help the user easilyreplace and wash a filter and prevent filter failures.

A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is to allow for easy removal ofa replaceable filter and at the same time to protect it at normal times.

A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an efficientstructure that can function on air passing through various flow paths.

Technical Solution

In order to address the aforementioned aspects, a clothes treatmentapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosurecomprises: a cabinet forming a treatment space for storing clothes; afilter module having a filter portion for filtering out dust from airpassing therethrough; an air flow path having a plurality of preset flowpaths for directing air to be discharged into the treatment space; a fanfor moving the air in the air flow path; at least one valve disposed onthe air flow path; a valve actuating module for actuating the valve; anda control part for controlling the valve actuating module so as toselect one of the plurality of flow paths.

The plurality of flow paths may comprise: at least one bypass flow pathfor directing the air to bypass the filter portion; and at least onefiltering flow path for directing the air to pass through the filterportion.

The plurality of flow paths may comprise: at least one circulation flowpath for directing air drawn in from inside the treatment space; and atleast one ventilation flow path for directing air drawn in from an outerspace of the cabinet.

The plurality of flow paths may comprise: a bypass circulation flow pathfor directing air drawn in from inside the treatment space to bypass thefilter portion; a filtering circulation flow path for directing the airdrawn in from inside the treatment space to pass through the filterportion; and a ventilation flow path for directing air drawn in from anouter space of the cabinet to pass through the filter portion.

The clothes treatment apparatus may further comprise a steam module forsupplying steam into the treatment space, and the filter portion maycomprise a HEPA filter.

The bypass flow path may be configured to direct air drawn in frominside the treatment space. The control part may be configured to selectone of a plurality of preset modes. The plurality of modes may comprise:a bypass mode in which the steam module sprays steam into the treatmentspace, the fan is operating, and the bypass flow path is selected fromamong the plurality of flow paths; and a filtering mode in which thesteam mode does not spray steam into the treatment space, the fan isoperating, and the filtering flow path is selected from among theplurality of flow paths.

The fan may be disposed in a shared section which commonly constitutespart of the bypass flow path and part of the filtering flow path. Theclothes treatment apparatus may further comprise a heat exchange modulewhich is disposed in the shared section and heats or cools air.

The at least one bypass flow path may comprise a bypass circulation flowpath for directing air drawn in from inside the treatment space. The atleast one filtering flow path may comprise a filtering circulation flowpath for directing the air drawn in from inside the treatment space.

The at least one filtering flow path may further comprise a ventilationflow path for directing air drawn in from an outer space of the cabinet.

The clothes treatment apparatus may further comprise: an outer intakeportion forming an outside air inlet section which constitutes anupstream end of the ventilation flow path and is configured to open andclose; and an outer discharge portion forming an exhaust air outletsection which is disposed between the treatment space and the outerspace and configured to open and close.

The at least one valve may comprise: a first valve disposed on thebypass flow path to open and close the flow path; and a second valvedisposed on the filtering flow path to open and close the flow path. Thevalve actuating module may comprise a single motor that provides torqueto open and close the first valve and the second valve.

The valve actuating module may be configured in such a way as to selectone of a plurality of modes including a first mode in which the firstvalve is opened and the second valve is closed, a second mode in whichthe first valve is closed and the second valve is opened, and a thirdmode in which both the first valve and the second valve are closed.

The valve actuating module may comprise: a first valve connectingportion connected to the first valve so that the first valve rotatestogether with the rotation of the first valve connecting portion arounda predetermined, first rotational axis; a second valve connectingportion connected to the second valve so that the second valve rotatestogether with the rotation of the second valve connecting portion arounda predetermined, second rotational axis; and a valve regulating portionconfigured to rotate around a predetermined central axis, powered by themotor, and to rotate either the first valve connecting portion or thesecond valve connecting portion depending on the angle of rotation.

A first gear portion of the first valve connecting portion and a secondgear portion of the second valve connecting portion may be positioned atthe same distance from the central axis, and the valve regulatingportion may comprise a driving gear portion configured to mesh witheither the first gear portion or the second gear portion depending onthe angle of rotation.

The first valve connecting portion may comprise a first gear portion,and the second valve connecting portion may comprise a second gearportion. The valve regulating portion may comprise a driving gearportion formed along the direction of rotation within the range of apredetermined angle Ag2 with respect to the central axis. The angle Ag1formed between the first rotational axis and the second rotational axiswith respect to the central axis may be greater than the angle Ag2.

The first gear portion and the second gear portion may have the sameshape, and the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis maybe positioned at the same distance d from the central axis.

The valve actuating module may comprise a power transmitting portionthat transmits the torque of the motor to the valve regulating portion.

The power transmitting portion may comprise a worm gear fixed to themotor shaft of the motor to rotate. The valve regulating portion mayfurther comprise a driven gear portion meshing with the worm gear.

The valve actuating module may comprise a constraining portion thatrestricts the range of rotation of the valve regulating portion.

The constraining portion may comprise: a first constraining portion thatlimits the maximum value for rotation of the valve regulating portion ina first direction; and a second constraining portion that limits themaximum value for rotation of the valve regulating portion in a seconddirection. When the valve regulating portion is fully rotated in thefirst direction, the first valve may be opened, and when the valveregulating portion is fully rotated in the second direction, the secondvalve may be opened.

The filter module may be configured in such a way as to be pulled out ina direction across the filtering flow path. The filter module mayfurther comprise a cover that covers a side where the filter module ispulled out and that is removably placed on the cabinet.

The cover may form an inner intake opening through which air is admittedto the bypass flow path and the filtering flow path. The cover mayfurther comprise an auxiliary filter removably placed between the filtermodule and the cover and comprising an auxiliary filter portion whichfilters out impurities from the air moving to the bypass flow path andfiltering flow path through the inner intake opening but is functionallydifferent from the filter portion.

The cover may form at least part of the inner intake opening throughwhich air is admitted to the bypass flow path and the filtering flowpath. The cover may comprise a fragrance sheet.

Advantageous Effects

The clothes treatment apparatus is advantageous in that it can implementmore various and diverse functions by switching between flow paths.

Another advantage is that it can remove impurities from air suppliedinto the treatment space when necessary, taking into consideration theeffect of air on the filter portion, by including the bypass flow pathand the filtering flow path.

Also, fresh air can be supplied to clothes by including a ventilationflow path. A further advantage is that the effect on the air around theclothes treatment apparatus can be taken into consideration since theventilation flow path can be selected.

By disposing the fan and the heat exchange module in the shared section,whichever one of the plurality of flow paths is selected may move theair in the flow path by operating a single fan and heat or cool the airin the flow path by means of a single heat exchange module.

By including the filtering flow path and the bypass flow path, inaddition to the steam module and the HEPA filter, the high-performancefunctions of the HEPA filter can be employed, and steam can be guidednot to pass through the HEPA when supplied into the treatment spacethrough the steam module.

In the bypass mode, by spraying steam into the treatment space andselecting the bypass flow path, an air treatment can be done whilecirculating the air in the treatment space, without allowing the steamsupplied to the treatment space to pass through the filter portion.

By making the predetermined angle Ag1 greater than the angle Ag2, eitherthe first valve connecting portion or the second valve connectingportion can be rotated depending on the angle of rotation of the valveregulating portion.

By positioning the first gear portion and the second gear portion at thesame distance from the central axis, both the first gear portion and thesecond gear portion can be manipulated by the single driving gearportion.

By forming the first gear portion and the second gear portion in thesame shape and positioning the first rotational axis and the secondrotational axis at the same distance d from the central axis, both thefirst gear portion and the second gear portion can be manipulated by thesingle driving gear portion.

By including the constraining portion, the positions of the first valveand second valve can be easily controlled without using a hole sensor.

By including the inner intake opening and the fragrance sheet in thecover, fragrance can be added efficiently to both the air passingthrough the bypass flow path and the filtering flow path.

By including the auxiliary filter, a filtering function can be added toboth the bypass flow path and the filtering flow path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothes treatment apparatus 1according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clothes treatment apparatus 1 ofFIG. 1 when the door 15 is open.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing part of the treatment space10 s of the clothes treatment apparatus 1 of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4A is a horizontal cross-sectional perspective view of the clothestreatment apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 , taken along the line S1-S1′, and FIG.4B is a horizontal cross-sectional perspective view of the clothestreatment apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 , taken along the line S2-S2′.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the clothes treatment apparatus 1of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views showing part of the flow path body26 disposed within the machine room 18 of the clothes treatmentapparatus 1 of FIG. 1 , which illustrate the valve 70 and valveactuating module 80 disposed on the flow path body 26.

FIG. 7 is an interior perspective projection view of the valve actuatingmodule 80 of FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are views showing the working mechanism of the valve 70and valve actuating module 80 disposed on the flow path body 26 of FIGS.6A and 6B, each illustrating a vertical cross-sectional conceptualdiagram of the flow path body 26 and door 15 on the left side and aninterior elevation view of the operating state of the valve actuatingmodule 80 on the right side: FIG. 8A shows that the bypass circulationflow path Pa is selected; FIG. 8B shows that the filtering circulationflow path Pb is selected; and FIG. 8C shows that the ventilation flowpath Pc is selected.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are partial perspective views showing a process in whichthe cover 25, auxiliary filter 23, and filter module 90 are removed fromthe cabinet 10 of the clothes treatment apparatus 1 of FIG. 3 ; FIG. 9Ashows the cover 25 being removed from the cabinet 10; FIG. 9B shows theauxiliary filter 23 being removed; and (c) of FIG. 9 shows the filtermodule 90 being removed.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover 25, auxiliary filter 23, andfilter module 90 of FIGS. 3 and 9 .

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the clothes treatmentapparat 1 of FIG. 3 , taken vertically along the line S3-S3′.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the filter module 90 being pushedinto or pulled out from the flow path body 26 of FIGS. 6A and 6B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To explain the present disclosure, a description will be made below withrespect to a spatial orthogonal coordinate system where X, Y, and Z axesare orthogonal to each other. Each axis direction (X-axis direction,Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction) refers to two directions inwhich each axis runs. Each axis direction with a ‘+’ sign in front of it(+X-axis direction, +Y-axis direction, and +Z-axis direction) refers toa positive direction which is one of the two directions in which eachaxis runs. Each axis direction with a ‘−’ sign in front of it (−X-axisdirection, −Y-axis direction, and −Z-axis direction) refers to anegative direction which is the other of the two directions in whicheach axis runs.

The terms mentioned below to indicate directions such as“front(+Y)/back(−Y)/left(+X)/right(−X)/up(+Z)/down(−Z)” are defined bythe X, Y, and Z coordinate axes, but they are merely used for a clearunderstanding of the present disclosure, and it is obvious that thedirections may be defined differently depending on where the referenceis placed.

The terms “upstream” and “downstream” mentioned in the description beloware defined with respect to the direction of a preset air flow.

The terms with ordinal numbers such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc.added to the front are used to describe constituent elements mentionedbelow, are intended only to avoid confusion of the constituent elements,and are unrelated to the order, importance, or relationship between theconstituent elements. For example, an embodiment including only a secondcomponent but lacking a first component is also feasible.

The singular forms used herein are intended to include plural forms aswell, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

A clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure comprises a cabinet 10 placed on a floor on theoutside or fixed to a wall on the outside. The cabinet 10 forms atreatment space 10 s for storing clothes. The clothes treatmentapparatus 1 may comprise a hanger module 30 provided to hang clothes orclothes hangers. The clothes treatment apparatus 1 has an air flow pathP for supplying air to clothes. The clothes treatment apparatus 1comprises a fan 50 for moving the air in the air flow path P. Theclothes treatment apparatus 1 may comprise a heat exchange module 60 forheating or cooling air passing through it. The clothes treatmentapparatus 1 comprises at least one valve 70 disposed on the air flowpath P. The clothes treatment apparatus 1 comprises a valve actuatingmodule 80 for actuating the valve 70.

The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may comprise a filter module 90 havinga filter portion 95 for filtering out dust from air passingtherethrough. The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may further comprise anauxiliary filter 23 having a different function from the filter module90.

The clothes treatment apparatus 1 comprises a control part 2 forcontrolling various components. The control part 2 allows to select oneof the plurality of flow paths.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 , the cabinet 10 forms the externalappearance. The cabinet 10 comprises a top panel 11 forming the topside, side panels 12 forming the left and right sides, and a rear panel13 forming the rear side. The cabinet 10 comprises a base 14 forming thebottom side. The side panels 12 may comprise a first side panel 12 aforming the left side and a second side panel 12 b forming the rightside.

The cabinet 10 comprises an interior cabinet 10 a forming the innerside. The cabinet 10 comprises an exterior cabinet 10 b forming theouter side.

The cabinet 10 comprises a door 15 for putting clothes in the treatmentspace 10 s. The door 15 may open or close an open side of the treatmentspace 10 s. The door 15 may open or close the treatment space 10 s as itswings on a predetermined rotational axis that extends vertically. Whenthe door 15 closes, the treatment space 10 s is separated from theoutside, and when the door 15 opens, the treatment space 10 s is exposedto the outside. The door 15, in a closed state, may cover an externalair connector 45 to be described later. The door 15, in a closed state,may cover a condensate storage portion 28 and a feed-water storageportion 29.

The interior cabinet 10 a and the inner side of the door 15 define thetreatment space 10 s. The treatment space 10 s is a space in which air(for example, hot air), steam, a deodorizer, and/or an anti-static agentis applied to clothes so as to change physical or chemical properties ofthe clothes. Clothes treatment may be done on the clothes in thetreatment space 10 s by various methods.

For example, hot air may be applied to the clothes in the treatmentspace 10 s to dry the clothes. Also, steam may be provided to theclothes in the treatment space 10 s to remove wrinkles on the clothes.The air and/or steam provided into the treatment space 10 s affects thephysical or chemical properties of the clothes. The tissue structure ofthe clothes is relaxed by hot air or steam, so that the wrinkles aresmoothed out, and an unpleasant odor is removed as odor moleculestrapped in the clothes react with steam. In addition, the hot air and/orsteam may sterilize bacteria present in the clothes.

For example, dust may be removed from the clothes in the treatment space10 s by air circulation or filtering. Moreover, air from outside thecabinet 10 may be supplied to the clothes so as to dehumidify theclothes in the treatment space 10 s or to remove smells from theclothes. In addition, a deodorizer may be sprayed to the clothes in thetreatment space 10 s to add fragrance to the clothes, or an anti-staticagent may be sprayed to the clothes to prevent static cling on them.

The cabinet 10 has a machine room 18 for treating the air provided intothe treatment space 10 s. The machine room 18 may be disposed under thetreatment space 10 s. A flow path body 26, the fan 50, and the heatexchange module 60 may be disposed within the machine room 18. The valve70 and the valve actuating module 80 may be disposed within the machineroom 18.

The filter module 90 may be disposed within the machine room 18. Thefilter module 90 may be disposed in such a way as to be pulled out frominside the machine room 18. With the filter module 90 being disposedwithin the machine room 18, a cover 25 for covering the filter module 90may be placed. Also, the auxiliary filter 23 may be removably placedbetween the cover 25 and the filter module 90.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the hanger module 30 may be disposed above thetreatment space 10 s. The hanger module 30 is supported by the cabinet10. The hanger module 30 may be movable.

The hanger module 30 comprises a hanger body 31 provided to hang clothesor clothes hangers. In an example, the hanger body 31 may be formed withlocking grooves (not shown) for hanging clothes hangers. In anotherexample, the hanger body 31 may be formed with hooks (not shown) or thelike so that clothes are hung directly on them.

The hanger body 31 may be connected to the cabinet 10 through a hangermoving portion 33. The hanger body 31 may vibrate in a predeterminedvibration direction (+X, −X). The hanger body 31 may extendlongitudinally in the vibration direction (+X, −X). A plurality oflocking grooves (not shown) may be disposed on the upper side of thehanger body 31, spaced apart from each other, in the vibration direction(+X, −X). The locking grooves may extend in a direction (+Y, −Y)intersecting the vibration direction (+X, −X).

The hanger module 30 may comprise a hanger moving portion 33 whichmovably supports the hanger body 31. The hanger moving portion 33 ismovable in the vibration direction (+X, −X). The hanger moving portion33 may be made of a flexible material so as to make the hanger body 31move. The hanger moving portion 33 may comprise an elastic member thatis elastically deformable when the hanger body 31 moves. The upper edgeof the hanger moving portion 33 is fixed to the cabinet 10, and thelower edge is fixed to the hanger body 31. The hanger moving portion 33may extend vertically.

The hanger module 30 may comprise a vibration unit 39 for generatingvibration. The vibration unit 39 is connected to the hanger body 31 totransmit vibrations from the vibration unit 39 to the hanger body 31.The vibration unit 39 may be disposed over the hanger body 31. Forexample, the hanger body 31 may be formed with a slit (not shown)extending in a direction (+Y, −Y) orthogonal to the vibration direction(+X, −X), and the vibration unit 39 may comprise a protruding portion(not shown) that protrudes downward and is inserted into the slit. Theprotruding portion of the vibration unit 39, while inserted in the slitof the hanger body 31, moves relative to the slit in the orthogonaldirection (+Y, −Y), thereby transmitting excitation force to the hangerbody 31 only in the vibration direction (+X, −X).

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, an air flow path P directs air to bedischarged into the treatment space 10 s. The air flow path P has aplurality of preset flow paths for directing air to be discharged intothe treatment space 10 s. One of the plurality of preset flow paths maybe selected by the valve actuating module 80 and the valve 70. Theclothes treatment apparatus 1 comprises a flow path body 26 that marksoff the air flow path P. The flow path body 26 may be disposed withinthe machine room 18.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 , an inner intake opening 41 is provided todraw in air from inside the treatment space 10 s. The inner intakeopening 41 is disposed on the interior cabinet 10 a. The inner intakeopening 41 may be disposed at the bottom side of the interior cabinet 10a. The inner intake opening 41 may be located between the cover 25 andthe interior cabinet 10 a. The air in the treatment space 10 s may beadmitted into the air flow path P through the inner intake opening 41.

An inner discharge opening 44 is provided to discharge air into thetreatment space 10 s. The inner discharge opening 44 is disposed on theinterior cabinet 10 a. The inner discharge opening 44 may be disposed atthe bottom side of the interior cabinet 10 a. The inner dischargeopening 44 may have a radial web structure. The air in the air flow pathP may be discharged into the treatment space 10 s through the innerdischarge opening 44.

While circulation flow paths Pa and Pb to be described later areselected, the air drawn into the air flow path P from the treatmentspace 10 s through the inner intake opening 41 is discharged to thetreatment space 10 s through the inner discharge opening 44 after goingthrough a certain treatment. In this exemplary embodiment, the innerintake opening 41 and the inner discharge opening 44 are disposedrespectively at the front and rear of the bottom of the treatment space10 s.

An outside air inlet section P4 may be provided to draw in air from anouter space Ou of the cabinet 10. The air in the outer space Ou may beadmitted into the air flow path P through the outside air inlet sectionP4. The outside air inlet section P4 may be formed in the shape of ahole. The outside air inlet section P4 may be disposed on the door 15.The outside air inlet section P4 constitutes an upstream end of aventilation flow path Pc to be described later. The outside air inletsection P4 may be configured to open and close.

While the ventilation flow path Pc to be described later is selected,air drawn into the air flow path P from the outer space Ou through theoutside air inlet section P4 may be discharged to the treatment space 10s through the inner discharge opening 44 after going through a certaintreatment.

An exhaust air outlet section P5 may be provided to discharge air to theouter space Ou of the cabinet 10. The air in the treatment space 10 smay be discharged to the outer space Ou through the exhaust air outletsection P5. The exhaust air outlet section P5 may be formed in the shapeof a hole. The exhaust air outlet section P5 may be disposed at the door15. The exhaust air outlet section P5 may be disposed between thetreatment space 10 s and the outer space Ou. The exhaust air outletsection P5 constitutes a flow path connecting the treatment space 10 andthe outer space Ou. The exhaust air outlet section P5 may be configuredto open and close.

While the door 15 is closed, air that has passed through the outside airinlet section P4 is admitted into the machine room 18 through an outsideair connecting port 45. The outside air connecting port 45 may opentoward the backside of the door 15. The outside air connecting part 45is formed in a position corresponding to a downstream end of the outsideair connecting port 45 while the door 15 is closed. After sequentiallypassing through the outside air inlet section P4 and the outside airconnecting port 45, the air is admitted into the flow path body 26.Specifically, the air that has passed through the outside air connectingport 45 may be admitted into a filter pass-through section P2.

The outside air connecting port 45 is disposed under the treatment space10 s. The door 15 covers the outside air connecting port 45 while thedoor 15 is closed. The outside air connecting port 45 may be formed on aside of the machine room 18 facing the door 15. The outside airconnecting port 45 may be disposed at the front of the machine room 18.The outside air connecting port 45 may be exposed while the door 15 isopen.

A first outside air connecting port 45 a and a second outside airconnecting port 45 b may be provided corresponding to a first outerintake portion 47 a and second outer intake portion 47 b disposed on thedoor 15. The first outside air connecting port 45 a and the secondoutside air connecting port 45 b may be disposed symmetrically on theleft and right. The first outside air connecting port 45 a and thesecond outside air connecting port 45 b may be disposed with thecondensate storage portion 28 and feed-water storage portion 29 inbetween.

The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may comprise an outer intake portion47 forming the outside air inlet section P4. The outer intake portion 47may be disposed on the door 15. The outer intake portion 47 may open orclose the outside air inlet section P4. The outer intake portion 47 mayopen or close the outside air inlet section P4 by rotating relative tothe door 15 in a predetermined rotation direction M1. The outer intakeportion 47 may be rotatable relative to the door 15 on a predeterminedrotational axis that extends vertically. A driving portion (not shown)for actuating the outer intake portion 47 may be disposed inside thedoor 15.

A plurality of outer intake portions 47 a and 47 b may be provided. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the first outer intake portion 47 a and thesecond outer intake portion 47 b are disposed on two opposite sides ofthe door 15. The plurality of outer intake portions 47 a and 47 b may beconfigured to open or close simultaneously.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the outer intake portion 47 may comprise anopen-close portion 47 o defining the outside air inlet section P4. Theoutside air inlet section P4 is formed through the open-closed portion47 o. The open-close portion 47 o is rotatable relative to the door 15.An intake hole corresponding to the outside air inlet section P4 may beformed on the outer side of the door 15. Referring to the arrow Af inFIG. 4A, when the open-close portion 47 o rotates and therefore anupstream end of the outside air inlet section P4 matches the intake holeof the door 15, the air in the outer space Ou may be admitted into themachine room 18 through the outside air inlet section P4.

The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may comprise an outer dischargeportion 48 forming the exhaust air outlet section P5. The outerdischarge portion 48 may be disposed on the door 15. The outer dischargeportion 48 may open or close the exhaust air outlet section P5. Theouter discharge portion 48 may open or close the exhaust air outletsection P5 by rotating relative to the door 15 in a predeterminedrotation direction M2. The outer discharge portion 48 may be rotatablerelative to the door 15 on a predetermined rotational axis that extendsvertically. A driving portion (not shown) for actuating the outerdischarge portion 48 may be disposed inside the door 15.

A plurality of outer discharge portions 48A and 48B may be provided. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the first outer discharge portion 48A and thesecond outer discharge portion 48B are disposed on two opposite sides ofthe door 15. The plurality of outer discharge portions 48A and 48B maybe configured to open or close simultaneously.

The outer discharge portion 48 is disposed above the outer intakeportion 47. The outer discharge portion 48 and the outer intake portion47 may be configured to open and close simultaneously.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the outer discharge portion 48 may comprise anopen-close portion 48 o defining the exhaust air outlet section P5. Theexhaust air outlet section P5 is formed through the open-close portion48 o. The open-close portion 48 o is rotatable relative to the door 15.A discharge hole may be formed on the outer side of the door 15.Referring to the arrow Af in FIG. 4B, when the open-close portion 48 orotates and therefore a downstream end of the exhaust air inlet sectionP5 matches the discharge hole of the door 15, the air in the treatmentspace 10 s may be discharged to the outer space Ou through the exhaustair outlet section P5.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the fan 50 exerts pressure on the air inthe air flow path P. The fan 50 is disposed on the air flow path P. Thefan 50 is disposed within the flow path body 26. The fan 50 is disposedin a shared section P0 to be described later. Through this, whicheverone of the plurality of flow paths is selected may direct the flow ofair in the air flow path P by means of the single fan 50.

The fan 50 may be disposed at the rear of the flow path body 26. The fan50 may be located closer to the inner discharge opening 44 than to theinner intake opening 41. The shared section P0 forms a flow pathdirecting the flow of air from the front to the rear and then forms aflow path directing the flow of air to the inner discharge opening 44 asit is bent upward. The fan 50 may be disposed at a point where theshared section is bent upward. The fan 50 may be implemented as acentrifugal fan.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the heat exchange module 60 is disposed onthe air flow path P. The heat exchange module 60 is disposed within theflow path body 26. The heat exchange module 60 is disposed in the sharedsection P0 to be described later. Through this, whichever one of theplurality of flow paths is selected may treat the air in the air flowpath P by means of the single heat exchange module 60.

The heat exchange module 60 may heat the air in the air flow path P.Specifically, the heat exchange module may comprise a first heatexchanger 61 functioning as an evaporator and a second heat exchanger 63functioning as a condenser. The heat exchange module 60 may comprise acompressor (not shown) and an expansion valve (not shown). The heatexchange module 60 may have a refrigerant cycle in which refrigerantsequentially travels through the compressor, the condenser, theexpansion valve, and the evaporator. As the air in the air flow path Ppasses through the first heat exchanger 61 first, the moisture in theair is condensed, and the air passes through the second heat exchanger63, it is heated because its heat capacity has decreased due to thegeneration of condensate. Thus, the air has a lower humidity and highertemperature after it has passed through the second heat exchanger 63, ascompared to before the air passes through the first heat exchanger 61.

Although not shown, in another exemplary embodiment, the heat exchangemodule 60 may comprise a cooling device for making treated air coolerthan before the treatment.

The operation of the heat exchange module 60 may be controlled by thecontrol part 2. By operating the fan 50 while the heat exchange module60 is not operating, air not treated with heat while flowing through theair flow path P may be supplied into the treatment space 10 s.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the clothes treatment apparatus 1 maycomprise a condensate storage portion 28 for storing condensategenerated in the heat exchange module 60. Condensate generated in thefirst heat exchanger 61 of the heat exchange module 60 may be collectedinto the condensate storage portion 28. The condensate storage portion28 may be pulled out. The condensate storage portion 28 may be pulledforward while the door 15 is open.

The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may comprise a steam module 7 forsupplying steam into the treatment space 10 s. The steam module 7 maycomprise a steam generator (not shown) for generating steam and a steamspout 21 for discharging generated steam into the treatment space 10 s.The steam generator may be disposed within the machine room 18. Thesteam spout 21 is disposed in the interior cabinet 10 a. In thisexemplary embodiment, the steam spout 21 is disposed at the rear of thebottom side of the treatment space 10 s.

The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may comprise a feed-water storageportion 29 for storing water to be supplied to the steam module 7. Thewater in the feed-water storage portion 29 may be moved to the steamgenerator and changed into steam. The feed-water storage portion 29 maybe pulled out. The feed-water storage portion 29 may be pulled forwardwhile the door 15 is open.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the clothes treatment apparatus 1 may comprise aninput part 3 for receiving On/Off and other various commands. The inputpart 3 may comprise a key, a button, a dial, and/or a touchscreen.

The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may comprise a sensing part 4 forsensing environment information for clothes treatment. The environmentinformation may include information about clothes contained in thetreatment space 10 s. The environment information may includeinformation about the state of air in the treatment space 10 s. Theenvironment information may include information about the state of airin the air flow path P. The environment information may includeinformation about the state of air in the outer space Ou.

The air state information may comprise temperature information. The airstate information may comprise humidity information. The air stateinformation may comprise air pollution information.

For example, the sensing part 4 may comprise a clothes recognitionsensor (not shown) for sensing clothes contained inside the treatmentspace 10 s. The sensing part 4 may comprise a humidity sensor (notshown) for sensing air humidity. The sensing part 4 may comprise atemperature sensor (not shown) for sensing air temperature. The humiditysensor and the temperature sensor may be implemented as a temperatureand humidity sensor which senses both humidity and temperature at thesame time.

The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may comprise a communication part 5provided to communicate with an external server, terminal, and/orcharging stand.

The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may comprise an output part 6 fordelivering various information to the user. The output part 6 maycomprise a speaker and/or a display.

The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may further comprise a deodorizersupply module 8 for supplying a deodorizer into the treatment space 10s. The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may further comprise an anti-staticagent supply module 9 for supplying an anti-static agent into thetreatment space 10 s.

The control part 2 may receive information from the input part 3 andprocess it. The control part 2 may receive or send information throughthe communication part 5. The control part 2 may control variouscomponents 6, 7, 8, 9, 50, 60, 80, 47, and 48 based on informationreceived through the input part 3 or communication part 5.

The control part 2 may receive sensed environment information from thesensing part 4 and process it. The control part 2 may control variouscomponents 6, 7, 8, 9, 30, 50, 60, 80, 47, and 48 based on theenvironment information sensed by the sensing part 4. For example, thecontrol part 2 may control the clothes treatment apparatus 1 to select aventilation mode to be described later, based on environment informationthat the humidity of the air in the outer space Ou is lower than thehumidity of the air in the treatment space 10 s.

The control part 2 may control the output of the output part 6. Thecontrol part 2 may control the operation of the steam module 7. Thecontrol part 2 may control the operation of the deodorizer supply module8. The control part 2 may control the operation of the anti-static agentsupply module 9. The control part 2 may control the operation of the fan50. The control part 2 may control the operation of the heat exchangemodule 60. The control part 2 may control the vibration of the hangermodule 30.

The control part 2 may control the operation of the valve actuatingmodule 80. The control part 2 may control the valve actuating module 80so as to select one of the plurality of flow paths (see FIGS. 8A to 8C).The control part 2 may operate the valve actuating module 80 to changefrom one of the plurality of flow paths to another.

When the valve 70 is actuated by the valve actuating module 80, the“selected flow path” among the plurality of flow paths is changed. Theselected flow path as used herein refers to one of the plurality of flowpaths selected in the current mode. For example, the selected flow pathin FIG. 8A is a bypass circulation flow path, the selected flow path inFIG. 8B is a filtering circulation flow path, and the selected path inFIG. 8C is a ventilation flow path.

The control part 2 may control the operation of the outer intake portion47 and outer discharge portion 48. The control part 2 may control theouter intake portion 47 and outer discharge portion 48 so as to selectone of the plurality of flow paths (see FIGS. 8A to 8C).

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the air flow path P having aplurality of preset flow paths will be described in detail below. FIGS.8A to 8C show the arrows pointing the direction Af of air flow, and thetype of the arrows vary for different sections of the air flow path P.

Air may be supplied into the treatment space 10 s through the air flowpath P. The air in the treatment space 10 s may be circulated andsupplied through the air flow path P. The air in the treatment space 10s may be drawn in from inside the treatment space 10 s and dischargedinto the treatment space 10 s, through the air flow path P. The air inthe outer space Ou may be supplied into the treatment space 10 s throughthe air flow path P.

The air moving through the air flow path P may be supplied into thetreatment space 10 s after going through a predetermined treatmentspace. For example, air heated by the heat exchange module 60 may besupplied into the treatment space 10 s. Air dehumidified by the heatexchange module 60 may be supplied into the treatment space 10 s. Aircooled by the heat exchange module 60 may be supplied into the treatmentspace 10 s. Also, untreated air may be supplied into the treatment space10 s. Air with a deodorizer or anti-static agent added to it may besupplied into the treatment space 10 s through the air flow path P.

One of the plurality of flow paths is preset to be selected. In thisexemplary embodiment, although FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate that oneof the plurality of flow paths Pa, Pb, and Pc is selected, the number ofselected flow paths is not limited but two flow paths or four or moreflow paths may be selected. By means of the at least one valve 70, theselected flow path may be switched from one of the plurality of flowpaths to another.

The plurality of flow paths may be distinguished depending on whetherair passes through the filter portion 95 or not. Referring to FIG. 8A,the plurality of flow paths may comprise at least one bypass flow pathPa for directing the air to bypass the filter portion 95. Referring toFIG. 8B and FIG. 8C, the plurality of flow paths may comprise at leastone filtering flow path Pb and Pc for directing the air to pass throughthe filter portion 95. Here, whether or not the air passes through thefilter portion 95 is defined with respect to a certain filter portion95, but not with respect to another filter portion (e.g., an auxiliaryfilter portion 23 b) through which the air passes. That is, the airbypassing the filter portion 95 does not mean to exclude that the airmay pass through the auxiliary filter portion 23 b.

The at least one bypass flow path Pa may comprise a bypass circulationflow path Pa for directing air drawn in from inside the treatment space10 s. The at least one filtering flow path Pb and Pc may comprise afiltering circulation flow path Pb for directing the air drawn in frominside the treatment space 10 s. The at least one filtering flow path Pband Pc may comprise a ventilation flow path Pc for directing the airdrawn in from the outer space Ou.

The plurality of flow paths may be distinguished depending on whetherair circulates in the treatment space 10 s or not. Referring to FIG. 8Aand FIG. 8B, the plurality of flow paths may comprise at least onecirculation flow path Pa and Pb for directing the air drawn in frominside the treatment space 10 s. Referring to FIG. 8C, the plurality offlow paths may comprise at least one ventilation flow path Pc fordirecting the air drawn in from the outer space Ou of the cabinet 10.

The at least one circulation flow path Pa and Pb may comprise a bypasscirculation flow path Pa for directing air to bypass the filter portion95. The at least one circulation flow path Pa and Pb may comprise afiltering circulation flow path Pb for directing air to pass through thefilter portion 95. The ventilation flow path Pc may be provided todirect air to pass through the filter portion 95.

In this exemplary embodiment, the bypass circulation flow path Padirects the air drawn in from inside the treatment space 10 s so that itbypasses the filter portion 95. In this exemplary embodiment, thefiltering circulation flow path Pb directs air drawn in from inside thetreatment space 10 s so that it passes through the filter portion 95. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the ventilation flow path Pc directs the airdrawn in from the outer space Out to pass through the filter portion 95.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, each of the sections constituting part ofthe air flow path P will be described below. The air flow path P maycomprise a shared section P0 which commonly constitutes part of thebypass flow path Pa and part of the filtering flow path Pb and Pc. Theshared section P0 may commonly constitute part of the circulation flowpath Pa and Pb and part of the ventilation flow path Pc. The sharedsection P0 may allow air to be directed out to the treatment space 10 s.The air flow path P may comprise an inner inlet section P1 through whichthe air in the treatment space 10 s is admitted. The air flow path P maycomprise a filter pass-through section P2 in which the air is directedto pass through the filter portion 95. The air flow path P may comprisean outside air inlet section P4 through which the air is directed infrom the outer space Ou.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the bypass circulation flow path Pa may be formedby sequentially connecting the inner inlet section P1 and the sharedsection P0. Referring to FIG. 8A and FIG. 11 , while a first valve 70 ais opened and a second valve 70 b is closed, a first entrance 42 isopened and a second entrance 43 is closed. In this case, referring toFIG. 8A and FIG. 4A, the outer intake portion 47 closes the outside airinlet section P4, and the outer discharge portion 48 closes the exhaustair outlet section P5. Air enters the inner inlet section P1 from thetreatment space 10 s through the inner intake opening 41. Air enters theshared section P0 from the inner inlet section P1 through the firstentrance 42. The air that has passed through the shared section P0 isdischarged to the treatment space 10 s through the inner dischargeopening 44. In this case, the air does not flow in and out between theouter space Ou and the treatment space 10 s.

Referring to FIG. 8B, the filter circulation flow path Pb is formed bysequentially connecting the inner inlet section P1, filter pass-throughsection P2, and shared section P0. Referring to FIG. 8B and FIG. 11 ,while the first valve 70 a is closed and the second valve 70 b isopened, the first entrance 42 is closed and the second entrance 43 isopened. In this case, referring to FIG. 8A and FIG. 4A, the outer intakeportion 47 closes the outside air inlet section P4, and the outerdischarge portion 48 closes the exhaust air outlet section P5. Airenters the inner inlet section P1 from the treatment space 10 s throughthe inner intake opening 41. Air enters the filter pass-through sectionP2 from the inner inlet section P1 through the second entrance 43. Theair that has passed through the filter portion 95 in the filterpass-through section P2 is admitted to the shared section P0. The airthat has passed through the shared section P0 is discharged to thetreatment space 10 s through the inner discharge opening 44. In thiscase, the air does not flow in and out between the outer space Ou andthe treatment space 10 s.

Referring to FIG. 8C, the ventilation flow path Pc may be formed bysequentially connecting the outside air inlet section P4, filterpass-through section P2, and shared section P0. Referring to FIG. 8C andFIG. 11 , while both the first valve 70 a and the second valve 70 b areclosed, both the first entrance 42 and the second entrance 43 areclosed. In this case, referring to FIG. 8C and FIG. 4A, the outer intakeportion 47 opens the outside air inlet section P4, and the outerdischarge portion 48 opens the exhaust air outlet section P5. Air entersthe outside air inlet section P4 from the outer space Ou. Air enters thefilter pass-through section P2 from the outside air inlet section P4through the outside air connecting port 45. The air that has passedthrough the filter portion 95 in the filter pass-through section P2 isadmitted to the shared section P0. The air that has passed through theshared section P0 is discharged to the treatment space 10 s through theinner discharge opening 44. Also, the air in the treatment space 10 s isreleased to the outer space Ou through the exhaust air outlet sectionP5.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 6A to 8C and FIG. 11 , the at least onevalve 70 and the valve actuating module 80 will be described in detailbelow.

As the at least one valve 70 is actuated, it allows for switching theselected flow path from one of the plurality of flow paths Pa, Pb, andPc to another flow path. The actuation of the valve 70 may refer to theopening and closing of the valve 70. As the valve 70 opens and closes,it may switch from either the circulation flow path Pa or the filteringflow path Pb and Pc to the other. As the valve 70 opens and closes, itmay switch from either the circulation flow path Pa and Pb or theventilation flow path Pc to the other. As the valve 70 opens and closes,it may switch from one among the bypass circulatory path Pa, filteringflow path Pb and Pc, and ventilation flow path Pc to another.

The first entrance 42 may be disposed downstream of the inner intakeopening 41. The first entrance 42 may be disposed at a downstream end ofthe inner inlet section P. The first entrance 42 may be disposed at anupstream end of the shred section P0. The first entrance 42 may beplaced perpendicular to the direction in which the filter module 90 ispulled out. The first entrance 42 may be placed perpendicular to thefilter portion 95. The first entrance 42 may be disposed downstream fromthe auxiliary filter portion 23 b. The first entrance 42 may be placedparallel to the auxiliary filter portion 23 b.

The second entrance 43 may be disposed downstream of the inner intakeopening 41. The second entrance 43 may be disposed at a downstream endof the inner inlet section P1. The second entrance 43 may be disposed atan upstream end of the filter pass-through section P2. The secondentrance 43 may be placed perpendicular to the direction in which thefilter module 90 is pulled out. The second entrance 43 may be placedperpendicular to the filter portion 95. The second entrance 43 may bedisposed downstream from the auxiliary filter portion 23 b. The secondentrance 43 may be placed parallel to the auxiliary filter portion 23 b.

The first entrance 42 and the second entrance 43 may be placed in thesame plane. The first entrance 42 and the second entrance 43 may beseparated from each other. The first entrance 42 and the second entrance43 may be placed with the filter module 90 in between. A filter moduleinsertion opening 26 h into which the filter module 90 is inserted to bepulled out is formed between the first entrance 42 and the secondentrance 43.

The at least one valve 70 may comprise a first valve 70 a disposed onthe bypass flow path Pa to open and close the flow path. The first valve70 a may open and close the first entrance 42. The first valve 70 aopens the first entrance 42 when the bypass flow path Pa is selected.The first valve 70 a closes the first entrance 42 when the filteringflow path Pb and Pc is selected. The first valve 70 a closes the firstentrance 42 when the filtering circulation flow path Pb is selected. Thefirst valve 70 a closes the first entrance 42 when the ventilation flowpath Pc is selected.

The at least one valve 70 may comprise a second valve 70 b disposed onthe filtering flow path Pb and Pc to open and close the flow path. Thesecond valve 70 b may open and close the second entrance 43. The secondvalve 70 b opens the second entrance 43 when the filtering circulationpath Pb is selected. The second valve 70 b closes the second entrance 43when the bypass flow path Pa is selected. The second valve 70 b closesthe second entrance 43 when the ventilation flow path Pc is selected.

The first valve 70 a may rotate around a first rotational axis Oa. Thesecond valve 70 b may rotate around a second rotational axis Ob. Thefirst rotational axis Oa and second rotational axis Ob are virtual axesused to describe the present disclosure, and do not designate actualcomponents of the apparatus. The first rotational axis Oa and secondrotational axis Ob may be placed parallel to each other. The firstrotational axis Oa may extend along one side of the first entrance 42.The second rotational axis Ob may extend along one side of the secondentrance 43. The first rotational axis Oa and second rotational axis Obmay be placed horizontally. The first rotational axis Oa and secondrotational axis Ob may be placed parallel to the filter module 90. Whilethe first valve 70 a and the second valve 70 b are closed, the firstrotational axis Oa may be placed on an end of the first valve 70 afacing the second valve 70 b, and the second rotational axis Ob may beplaced on an end of the second valve 70 b facing the first valve 70 a.The filter module 90 may be placed between the first rotational axis Oaand the second rotational axis Ob.

The first valve 70 a may comprise a shaft portion (not shown) thatprovides a function of the first rotational axis Oa and an open-closeportion (not shown) that opens and closes the first entrance 42 whilerotating. The shaft portion and open-close portion of the first valve 70a may be formed as a single unit.

The second valve 70 b may comprise a shaft portion (not shown) thatprovides a function of the second rotational axis Ob and an open-closeportion (not shown) that opens and closes the second entrance 43 whilerotating. The shaft portion and open-close portion of the second valve70 b may be formed as a single unit.

The flow path body 26 may comprise a valve support portion 26B thatrotatably supports the valve 70. The valve support portion 26B may beplaced on two opposite ends of the shaft portion of the first valve 70a. The valve support portion 26B may be placed on two opposite ends ofthe shaft portion of the second valve 70 b.

The flow path body 26 may comprise a valve limit 26 c that restricts therange of rotation of the valve 70. The valve limit 26 c may set theclosed position of the valve 70. A first valve limit 26 c 1 isconfigured in such a way that the first valve 70 a comes into contactwith it while the first valve 70 a is closed. A second valve limit 26 c2 is configured in such a way that the second valve 70 b comes intocontact with it while the second valve 70 b is closed (see FIG. 6A, FIG.6B, and FIG. 11 ).

The first valve 70 a may be opened as it rotates upward while closed.The first valve limit 26 c 1 may form a surface facing in the oppositedirection of the direction Af of airflow. The first valve limit 26 c 1may form an upward-facing surface.

The second valve 70 b may be opened as it rotates upward while closed.The second valve limit 26 c 2 may form a surface facing in the oppositedirection of the direction Af of air flow. The second valve limit 26 c 2may form an upward-facing surface.

One end of the shaft portion of the first valve 70 a may be fixed to afirst valve connecting portion 81 to be described later, and the otherend may be rotatably supported by a valve holder 27. One end of theshaft portion of the second valve 70 b may be fixed to a second valveconnecting portion 82 to be described later, and the other end may berotatably supported by the valve holder 27. The valve holder 27 may befixed to the flow path body 26. The valve holder 27 may be placed on theouter side of the flow path body 26. The valve holder 27 may extendwhile connecting the first rotational axis Oa and the second rotationalaxis Ob. The first valve 70 a and the second valve 70 b are locatedbetween the valve actuating module 80 and the valve holder 27.

The valve actuating module 80 may be fixed to the flow path body 26. Thevalve actuating module 80 may be fixed to the outer side of the flowpath body 26. The valve actuating module 80 may be placed on one side ofthe first entrance 42 second entrance 43.

The valve actuating module 80 may actuate the first valve 70 a and thesecond valve 70 b to get them closed simultaneously. The valve actuatingmodule 80 may actuate the first valve 70 a and the second valve 70 b insuch a way that one of them is opened and the other is closed.

The valve actuating module 80 is configured in such a way that one of aplurality of modes to be described later is selected by opening andclosing the first valve 70 a and the second valve 70 b. The valveactuating module 80 is configured in such a way as to select one of aplurality of modes including a first mode in which the first valve 70 ais opened and the second valve 70 b is closed, a second mode in whichthe first valve 70 a is closed and the second valve 70 b is opened, anda third mode in which both the first valve 70 a and the second valve 70b are closed.

The valve actuating module 80 comprises a single motor 83 that providestorque to open and close the first valve 70 a and the second valve 70 b.The motor 83 comprises a motor shaft 83 a protruding to one side. Themotor 83 allows for manipulation of the opening and closing of the firstvalve 70 a and second valve 70 b by forward and backward rotations.

The valve actuating module 80 may comprise a module casing 87 thataccommodates the motor 83 in it. The module casing 87 may be supportedby the flow path body 26. The module casing 87 may rotatably support thefirst valve connecting portion 81 and the second valve connectingportion 82, which will be described later. The module casing 87 mayrotatably support a valve regulating portion 84 to be described later. Aconstraining portion 88 to be described later is fixed to the modulecasing 87.

The valve actuating module 80 comprises a first valve connecting portion81 connected to the first valve 70 a so that the first valve 70 arotates together with its rotation. The first valve connecting portion81 may rotate around a predetermined, first rotational axis Oa. In thisexemplary embodiment, the first valve 70 a is fixed to the first valveconnecting portion 81 so that the first valve 70 a and the first valveconnecting portion 81 rotate as single unit on the first rotational axisOa. Although not shown, another example may be given in which the firstvalve connecting portion 81 rotates around the first rotational axis Oaand the first valve 70 a rotates around a different rotational axis fromthe first rotational axis Oa, but the first valve 70 a may rotatetogether with the first valve connecting portion 81 by means of a gearor belt connected to it.

The first valve connecting portion 81 may comprise a first valve fixingportion 81 a where the first valve 70 a is fixed. One end of the shaftportion of the first valve 70 a may be fixed to the first valve fixingportion 81 a. The first valve fixing portion 81 a may protrude along thefirst rotational axis Oa. The first valve fixing portion 81 a mayprotrude outward from the module casing 87. The first valve fixingportion 81 a may have a spline shaft so as to prevent slippage whenrotating relative to the first valve 70 a.

The first valve connecting portion 81 may comprise a first gear portion81 b. The first gear portion 81 b may receive torque from the valveregulating portion 84. The first gear portion 81 b may have a pluralityof gear teeth along the circumference around the first rotational axisOa. The first gear portion 81 b may be placed inside the module casing87. The first gear portion 81 b and the first valve fixing portion 81 arotate as a single unit.

The valve actuating module 80 comprises a second valve connectingportion 82 connected to the second valve 70 b so as to rotate togetherwith the second valve 70 b. The second valve connecting portion 82 mayrotate around a predetermined, second rotational axis Ob. In thisexemplary embodiment, the second valve 70 b is fixed to the second valveconnecting portion 82 so that the second valve 70 b and the second valveconnecting portion 82 rotate as single unit on the second rotationalaxis Ob. Although not shown, another example may be given in which thesecond valve connecting portion 82 rotates around the second rotationalaxis Ob and the second valve 70 b rotates around a different rotationalaxis from the second rotational axis Ob, but the second valve 70 b mayrotate together with the second valve connecting portion 82 by means ofa gear or belt connected to it.

The second valve connecting portion 82 may comprise a second valvefixing portion 82 a where the second valve 70 b is fixed. One end of theshaft portion of the second valve 70 b may be fixed to the second valvefixing portion 82 a. The second valve fixing portion 82 a may protrudealong the second rotational axis Ob. The second valve fixing portion 82a may protrude outward from the module casing 87. The second valvefixing portion 82 a may have a spline shaft so as to prevent slippagewhen rotating relative to the second valve 70 b.

The second valve connecting portion 82 may comprise a second gearportion 82 b. The second gear portion 82 b may receive torque from thevalve regulating portion 84. The second gear portion 82 b may have aplurality of gear teeth along the circumference around the secondrotational axis Ob. The second gear portion 82 b may be placed insidethe module casing 87. The second gear portion 82 b and the second valvefixing portion 82 a rotate as a single unit.

The valve actuating module 80 comprises a valve regulating portion 84configured to rotate the first valve connecting portion 81 and thesecond valve connecting portion 82. The valve regulating portion 84 maybe placed inside the module casing 87.

The valve regulating portion 84 is placed in the module casing 87 insuch a way as to rotate around a predetermined central axis Oc. Thevalve regulating portion 84 rotates around the predetermined centralaxis Oc, powered by the motor 83.

The valve regulating portion 84 may be configured to rotate either thefirst valve connecting portion 81 or the second valve connecting portion82 depending on the angle of rotation. The valve regulating portion 84may rotate in such a way as to transmit torque to only either the firstvalve connecting portion 81 or the second valve connecting portion 82depending on the angle of rotation. The valve regulating portion 84 mayrotate in such a way as to transmit torque to neither the first valveconnecting portion 81 nor the second valve connecting portion 82.

The central axis Oc is a virtual axis used to describe the presentdisclosure, and does not designate an actual component of the apparatus.The central axis Oc is preset as a rotational axis different from thefirst rotational axis Oa and second rotational axis Ob. The central axisOc may be placed parallel to the first rotational axis Oa and secondrotational axis Ob.

The valve regulating portion 84 may comprise a driving gear portion 84Aconfigured to mesh with either the first gear portion 81 b or the secondgear portion depending on the angle of rotation. The driving gearportion 84A may be configured to mesh with only either the first gearportion 81 b or the second gear portion 82 b depending on the rotationof the valve regulating portion 84. The driving gear portion 84A may beconfigured to mesh with neither the first gear portion 81 b nor thesecond gear portion 82 b depending on the rotation of the valveregulating portion 84.

The driving gear portion 84A may be formed along the direction ofrotation of the valve regulating portion 84 within the range of apredetermined angle Ag2 with respect to the central axis Oc. The drivinggear portion 84A has a plurality of gear teeth along the direction ofrotation within the range of the predetermined angle Ag2. The angle Ag2may be preset as an acute angle.

The predetermined angle Ag1 formed between the first rotational axis Oaand the second rotational axis Ob with respect to the central axis Ocmay be greater than the angle Ag2. As such, either the first valveconnecting portion 81 or the second valve connecting portion 82 may berotated depending on the angle of rotation of the valve regulatingportion 84. Referring to FIG. 8A, when the driving gear portion 84A ispositioned on a virtual line connecting the central axis Oc and thefirst rotational axis Oa, by the rotation of the valve regulatingportion 84, the driving gear portion 84A comes into contact with onlythe first gear portion 81 b. Referring to FIG. 8B, when the driving gearportion 84A is positioned on a virtual line connecting the central axisOc and the second rotational axis Ob, by the rotation of the valveregulating portion 84, the driving gear portion 84A comes into contactwith only the second gear portion 82 b. Referring to FIG. 8C, when thedriving gear portion 84A is positioned within the range of the angle Ag1by the rotation of the valve regulating portion 84, the driving gearportion 84A comes into contact with neither the first gear portion 81 bnor the second gear portion 82 b.

The first gear portion 81 b and the second gear portion 82 b may bepositioned at the same distance from the central axis Oc. That is, thegear tooth of the first gear portion 81 b closest to the central axis Ocand the gear tooth of the second gear portion 82 b closest to thecentral axis Oc are positioned at the same distance from the centralaxis Oc. Also, the gear teeth of the driving gear portion 84A arepositioned at a certain distance from the central axis Oc. As such, boththe first gear portion 81 b and the second gear portion 82 b may bemanipulated by the single driving gear portion 84A.

The first gear portion 81 b and the second gear portion 82 b may havethe same shape. The first rotational axis Oa and the second rotationalaxis Ob may be positioned at the same distanced from the central axisOc. As such, both the first gear portion 81 b and the second gearportion 82 b may be manipulated by the single driving gear portion 84A.

In this exemplary embodiment, the valve regulating portion 84 maycomprise a driven gear portion 84B that receives torque from the motor83. Although not shown, another exemplary embodiment may be given inwhich the motor shaft 83 a is directly connected to the valve regulatingportion 84 to receive torque.

The driven gear portion 84B may have a plurality of gear teeth along thecircumference around the central axis Oc. The driven gear portion 84Bmay make contact with a power transmitting portion 85 to be describedlater and receive toque. In this exemplary embodiment, the driven gearportion 84B may mesh with a worm gear 85 to be described later. Thedriven gear portion 84B rotates around the central axis Oc, integrallywith the driving gear portion 84A.

The valve regulating portion 84 may comprise a rotating body portion 84c where the driving gear portion 84A and the driven gear portion 84B areplaced. The rotating body portion 84 c may be rotatably placed in themodule casing 87. The rotating body portion 84 c may have a centralshaft portion (not shown) that protrudes along the central axis Oc, andthe module casing 87 may have a groove or hole in which the centralshaft portion of the rotating body portion 84 c is rotatably inserted.The driving gear portion 84A may be placed to protrude from the rotatingbody portion 84 c in the direction the central axis Oc extends. Thedriven gear portion 84B may be placed along the circumference around thecentral axis Oc of the rotating body portion 84 c.

The valve actuating module 80 may comprise a power transmitting portion85 that transmits the torque of the motor 83 to the valve regulatingportion 84. The power transmitting portion 85 may comprise a gear, belt,and/or pulley.

The power transmitting portion 85 may comprise at least one gear. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the power transmitting portion 85 maycomprise, but not limited to, one gear.

In this exemplary embodiment, the power transmitting portion 85 maycomprise a worm gear 85 fixed to the motor shaft 83 a to rotate. Themotor shaft 83 a may be placed on a virtual transmission axis Om. Theworm gear 85 is configured to rotate around the transmission axis Om.The worm gear 85 rotates integrally with the motor shaft 83 a. The wormgear 85 rotates around the transmission axis Om by meshing with thedriven gear portion 84B, and the valve regulating portion 84 thereforerotates around the central axis Oc.

The valve actuating module 80 comprises a constraining portion 88 thatrestricts the range of rotation of the valve regulating portion 84. Theconstraining portion 88 may protrude inward from an inner surface of themodule casing 87. The position of the constraining portion 88 is fixed,and first and second locking surfaces of the valve regulating portion 84to be described later are brought into contact with or separated from itas they rotate around the central axis Oc.

The constraining portion 88 may comprise a first constraining portion88A that limits the maximum value for rotation of the valve regulatingportion 84 in a first direction. The constraining portion 88 maycomprise a second constraining portion 88B that limits the maximum valuefor rotation of the valve regulating portion 84 in a second direction.Here, one of the first and second directions represents a clockwisedirection, and the other represents a counterclockwise direction. Asused herein, the first direction refers to the direction in which thedriving gear portion 84A rotates towards the first valve connectingportion 81, and the second direction refers to the direction in whichthe driving gear portion 84A rotates towards the second valve connectingportion 82.

The rotating body portion 84 c comprises a first locking surface (notshown) configured to make contact with the first constraining portion88A. The rotating body portion 84 c comprises a second locking surface(not shown) configured to make contact with the second constrainingportion 88B. The angle formed between the first locking surface and thesecond locking surface may be the predetermined angle Ag2. The drivinggear portion 84A may be placed within the range of the angle between thefirst locking surface and the second locking surface.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the valve regulating portion 84 may be configuredin such a way that, when it is fully rotated in the first direction, thefirst valve 70 a is opened. At this point, the second valve 70 b isclosed. If the valve regulating portion 84 fully rotated in the firstdirection as in FIG. 8A rotates in the second direction, the first valveconnecting portion 81 rotates by meshing with the driving gear portion84A, whereby the first valve 70 a rotates in a direction that allows thefirst entrance 42 to be closed. Here, if the valve regulating portion 84continues to rotate in the second direction, the driving gear portion84A is placed within the range of the predetermined angle Ag1 and thefirst valve 70 a is closed, as can be seen in FIG. 8C. If the valveregulating portion 84 in FIG. 8C rotates in the second direction, thefirst valve 70 a is kept closed and the second valve connecting portion82 rotates by meshing with the driving gear portion 84A, whereby thesecond valve 70 b rotates in a direction that allows the second entrance43 to be opened. Here, if the valve regulating portion 84 continues torotate in the second direction, the valve regulating portion 84 is fullyrotated in the second direction, as can be seen in FIG. 8B.

Referring to FIG. 8B, the valve regulating portion 84 may be configuredin such a way that, when it is fully rotated in the second direction,the second valve 70 b is opened. At this point, the first valve 70 a isclosed. If the valve regulating portion 84 fully rotated in the seconddirection as in FIG. 8B rotates in the first direction, the second valveconnecting portion 82 rotates by meshing with the driving gear portion84A, whereby the second valve 70 b rotates in a direction that allowsthe second entrance 43 to be closed. Here, if the valve regulatingportion 84 continues to rotate in the first direction, the driving gearportion 84A is placed within the range of the predetermined angle Ag1and the second valve 70 b is closed, as can be seen in FIG. 8C. If thevalve regulating portion 84 in FIG. 8C rotates in the first direction,the second valve 7 b is kept closed and the first valve connectingportion 81 rotates by meshing with the driving gear portion 84A, wherebythe first valve 70 a rotates in a direction that allows the firstentrance 42 to be opened. Here, if the valve regulating portion 84continues to rotate in the first direction, the valve regulating portion84 is fully rotated in the first direction, as can be seen in FIG. 8A.

While the valve regulating portion 84 is stuck on the constrainingportion 88, the motor shaft 83 a also is constrained and stops rotating.By constraining the rotation of the motor and rotating the motor insteps, the rotation of the first valve 70 a and second valve 70 b may becontrolled. Here, the forward rotation of the motor shaft 83 a refers torotating the valve regulating portion 84 in the first direction, and thebackward rotation of the motor shaft 83 a refers to rotating the valveregulating portion 84 in the second direction.

To control the first valve 70 a and the second valve 70 b to close oneof them and open the other (see FIGS. 8A and 8B), the motor shaft 83 amay be rotated enough either forward or backward until it is constrainedby the constraining portion 88. Referring to FIG. 8A, while the valveregulating portion 84 is fully rotated in the first direction byrotating the motor shaft 83 a enough forward, the first valve 70 a isopened and the second valve 70 b is closed. Referring to FIG. 8B, whilethe valve regulating portion 84 is fully rotated in the second directionby rotating the motor shaft 83 a enough backward, the second valve 70 bis opened and the first valve 70 a is closed.

Moreover, to control the first valve 70 a and the second valve 70 b toclose both of them (see FIG. 8C), the motor shaft 83 a may be rotatedenough either forward or backward until it is constrained by theconstraining portion 88, and then rotated (in steps) in the oppositedirection by a certain angle of rotation. In an example, while the valveregulating portion 84 is fully rotated in the first direction (as inFIG. 8A) by rotating the motor shaft 83 a enough forward, the firstvalve 70 a is opened. Hereupon, if the valve regulating portion 84 isrotated in the second direction by rotating the motor shaft 83 abackward by a predetermined angle of rotation, both the first valve 70 aand the second valve 70 b may be closed (as in FIG. 8C). In anotherexample, while the valve regulating portion 84 is fully rotated in thesecond direction (as in FIG. 8B) by rotating the motor shaft 83 a enoughbackward, the second valve 70 b is opened. Hereupon, if the valveregulating portion 84 is rotated in the first direction by rotating themotor shaft 83 a forward by a predetermined angle of rotation, both thefirst valve 70 a and the second valve 70 b may be closed (as in FIG.8C).

The angle of rotation may be preset to an appropriate value depending onthe gear ratio between the power transmitting portion 85 and the valveregulating portion 84. If the rotational speed of the motor is constant,the angle of rotation may be controlled by the rotation time preset forthe motor.

By controlling the valve actuating module 80, the control part 2 mayalways reset the position of the valve 70 so that both the first valve70 a and the second valve 70 b are in the closed state (see FIG. 8C)when the clothes treatment apparatus 1 is powered on.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12 , the filter module 90 may be placed betweenthe first valve 70 a and the second valve 70 b. The filter module 90 maybe placed between the first entrance 42 and the second entrance 43.

The filter module 90 is configured in such a way as to be pushed into orpulled out of a filter module insertion opening 26 h formed in the flowpath body 26. While the filter module 90 is fully inserted into thefilter module insertion opening 26 h, the filter portion 95 is placed inthe filter pass-through section P2 on the air flow path P.

The filter module 90 is configured in such a way as to be pushed in orpulled out in a predetermined direction M3 of insertion and removalmotion. The filter module 90 is configured in such a way as to be pulledout in a direction across the filtering flow path Pb and Pc. In thisexemplary embodiment, the filter module 90 is configured in such a wayas to be pulled out upward. The filter module 90 is configured in such away as to be pulled out from the bottom side of the treatment space 10s.

The filter module 90 comprises a filter portion 95 for filtering outimpurities passing through it. The filter portion 95 is functionallydifferent from an auxiliary filter portion 23 b to be described later.The filter portion 95 may filter out even minute particles compared tothe auxiliary filter portion 23 b.

The filter portion 95 may comprise a high efficiency particulate airfilter (HEPA). The HEPA filter should be replaced because it is aconsumable item. The HEPA filter filters out very fine dust, bacteria,mold, etc. For example, the HEPA filter has a filtration efficiency of99.97% for particles that are about 0.3μ. For example, the HEPA filtermay be formed of a material of glass fiber or asbestos fiber.

The HEPA filter cannot be washed with water and can be cleaned using abrush or the like. Thus, it is necessary that no more than apredetermined amount of steam passes through the HEPA. The filteringflow path Pb and Pc enables it to take advantage of the high-performancefunctions of the HEPA filter, and the bypass flow path Pa allows forguiding steam not to pass through the HEPA when supplied into thetreatment space through the steam module 7.

The filter module 90 comprises a filter body portion 91 that supportsthe filter portion 95. The filter portion 95 may be removably placed atthe filter body portion 91. To replace the filter portion 95, the filterbody portion 91 may be pulled out from the flow path body 26, and thenthe filter portion 95 may be removed from the filter body portion 91.

The filter module 90 may comprise a handle 93 provided to let the userhold the filter module 90 with a hand, while the filter body portion 91is fully inserted into the flow path body 26. The handle 93 is fixed tothe filter body portion 91. The handle 93 may be disposed on the top ofthe filter body portion 91. When the cover 25 and the auxiliary filter23 are removed, the handle 93 may be exposed.

The filter body portion 91 comprise a filter placement portion 91 awhere the filter portion 95 is placed. The filter placement portion 91 aguides the position of the filter portion 95. The filter placementportion 91 a makes contact with one side of the filter portion 95. Thefilter placement portion 91 a may have a lattice structure. The filterplacement portion 91 a may comprise a first placement portion 91 alextending horizontally and a second placement portion 91 a 2 extendingvertically. Air passes through an opening formed by the filter placementportion 91 a.

The filter body portion 91 comprises a frame portion 91 b that sets arelative positional relationship between the handle 93 and the filterportion 95. The frame portion 91 b may surround the perimeter of thefilter portion 95. The frame portion 91 b has a structure that keeps apredetermined distance between the filter portion 95 and the handle 93.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 9 to 11 , the cover 25 may form the innerintake opening 41 and cover a side where the filter module 90 is pulledout. The cover 25 may form the inner intake opening 41 through which airis admitted to the bypass flow path Pa and the filtering flow path Pb.The inner intake opening 41 may be formed by a gap between the cover 25and the bottom side of the treatment space 10 s.

The cover 25 may cover the side where the filter module 90 is pulledout. The cover may cover a side where the auxiliary filter 23 isremoved.

The cover 25 may be removably placed on the cabinet 10. The cover 25 maybe removably placed on the interior cabinet 10 a. The cover 25 may beplaced in such a way as to be removable from the bottom side of thetreatment space 10 s.

The flow path body 26 may comprise a cover support portion 26A thatsupports the cover 25. The cover support portion 26A may form part ofthe air flow path P. The cover support portion 26A may form at leastpart of the inner intake opening P1. The cover support portion 26A maybe in the shape of a column that forms the air flow path P in it. Theupper end of the cover support portion 26A may be connected to thebottom side of the treatment space 10 s. The cover support portion 26Amay have a stepped portion where a cover supporter 25 a 2 is placed.

The cover 25 may comprise a cover body 25 a supported by the coversupport portion 26A. The cover body 25 a may comprise a cover portion 25a 1 that forms a flat surface vertically separated from the bottom sideof the treatment space 10 s. The cover portion 25 a 1, when viewed fromabove, conceals the inner intake opening 41. The cover body 25 a maycomprise a cover supporter 25 a 2 supporting the cover portion 25 al.The upper end of the cover supporter 25 a 2 may be fixed to the lowerside of the cover portion 25 al, and the lower end may come into contactwith the cover support portion 26A. The cover supporter 25 a 2 mayextend downward from the cover portion 25 a 1 to a specific point, andmay be bent horizontally at the specific point. A pair of left and rightcover supporters 25 a 2 may be symmetrically placed. A gap between thecover supporter 25 a 2 and the cover portion 25 a 1 may form at leastpart of the inner intake opening 41.

The cover 25 may comprise a fragrance sheet 25 b. The fragrance sheet 25b may have a fragrance added to ambient air that makes the user feelfresh. By including the fragrance sheet 25 b in the cover 25 forming theinner intake opening 41, fragrance may be added efficiently to the airpassing through the bypass flow path Pa and the filtering flow path Pb.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C and FIG. 11 , the auxiliary filter 23 may beplaced between the filter module and the cover. The auxiliary filter 23may be disposed upstream of the first entrance 42 and second entrance43. The auxiliary filter 23 may be disposed upstream of the filtermodule 90. The auxiliary filter 23 may be disposed downstream of thecover 25.

The auxiliary filter 23 may be supported by the flow path body 26. Theauxiliary filter 23 may be removably placed. The auxiliary filter 23 maybe removably placed on the interior cabinet 10 a. The auxiliary filter23 may be placed in such a way as to be removable from the bottom sideof the treatment space 10 s.

The auxiliary filter 23 may comprise an auxiliary filter portion 23 bwhich filters out impurities from the air moving to the bypass flow pathPa and filtering flow path Pb through the inner intake opening 41. Theauxiliary filter portion 23 b may be placed horizontally. The auxiliaryfilter portion 23 b filters out dust from the air passing through it,but may be functionally different from the filter portion 95. Theauxiliary filter portion 23 b is not the HEPA filter. The auxiliaryfilter portion 23 b may form a mesh filter, for example. The auxiliaryfilter portion 23 b may only filter out relatively large impurities,compared to the filter portion 95. The auxiliary filter portion 23 b isconfigured in such a way that steam can pass through it. Through this, afiltering function may be added to both the bypass flow path Pa and thefiltering flow path Pb, by means of the single auxiliary filter 23.

The filter module 90 comprises an auxiliary body portion 23 a supportingthe auxiliary filter portion 23 b. The auxiliary body portion 23 a maybe placed across the direction Af of air flow. The auxiliary bodyportion 23 a has a plurality of openings, and the auxiliary filterportion 23 b is placed at the plurality of openings.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 9A-9C, the user may pull out the filtermodule after opening the door 15 and removing the cover 25. The user maypull out the filter module 90 after removing the cover 25 and then theauxiliary filter 23 to be described later.

Referring to FIG. 9A, one side of the auxiliary filter 23 is exposed,with the cover 25 being removed from the cabinet 10. Referring to FIG.9B, the handle 93 of the filter module 90 is exposed, with the auxiliaryfilter 23 being removed from the cabinet 10. The first valve 70 a andthe second valve 70 b may be exposed, with the auxiliary filter 23 beingremoved. Referring to FIG. 9C, the filter module 90 is pulled out fromthe filter module insertion opening 26 h by grabbing and pulling thehandle 93.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 5 and FIGS. 8A to 8C, a plurality ofmodes will be described below in details. The control part 2 isconfigured to select one of a plurality of preset modes. The controlpart 2 may control various components in the clothes treatment apparatus1 according to the selected mode.

The plurality of modes may be distinguished depending on whether theyallow air to be filtered by the filter portion 95. The plurality ofmodes may comprise at least one bypass mode and at least one filteringmode.

In the bypass mode, the control part 2 controls the steam module 7 tospray steam into the treatment space 10 s. In the bypass mode, thecontrol part 2 controls the fan 50 to bring it into operation. In thebypass mode, the control part 2 controls the valve actuating module 80so as to select the bypass flow path Pa from among the plurality of flowpaths. Therefore, a treatment can be done while circulating the air inthe treatment space 10 s, without allowing the steam supplied to thetreatment space 10 s to pass through the filter portion 95.

In the filtering mode (filtering circulation mode and ventilation mode),the control part 2 controls the steam module 7 not to spray steam intothe treatment space 10 s. In the ventilation mode, the control part 2controls the fan 50 to bring it into operation. In the ventilation mode,the control part 2 may control in such a way that the filtering flowpath Pb and Pc is selected from among the plurality of flow paths.

The plurality of modes may be distinguished depending on whether theyallow for air circulation in the treatment space 10 s. The plurality ofmodes may comprise at least one ventilation mode and at least oneventilation mode.

In the circulation mode (bypass circulation mode and filteringcirculation mode), the control part 2 controls the fan 50 to bring itinto operation. In the circulation mode, the control part 2 controls thevalve actuating module 80 so as to select the circulation flow path Paand Pb from among the plurality of flow paths.

When the circulation mode is selected, the bypass circulation flow pathPa or the filtering circulation flow path Pb is selected from among theplurality of flow paths. When the bypass circulation flow path Pa or thefiltering circulation flow path Pb is selected, the control part 2controls in such a way that the outer intake portion 47 and the outerdischarge portion 48 are closed. That is, the outer intake portion 47closes the outside air inlet section P4, and the outer discharge portion48 closes the exhaust air outlet section P5.

In the ventilation mode, the control part 2 controls the fan 50 to bringit into operation. In the ventilation mode, the control part 2 controlsthe valve actuating module 80 so as to select the ventilation flow pathPc from among the plurality of flow paths.

When the ventilation mode is selected, the ventilation flow path Pc isselected from among the plurality of flow paths. When the ventilationflow path Pc is selected, the control part 2 controls in such a way thatthe outer intake portion 47 and the outer discharge portion 48 areopened. That is, the outer intake portion 47 opens the outside air inletsection P4, and the outer discharge portion 48 opens the exhaust airoutlet section P5.

The plurality of modes may comprise a bypass circulation mode, afiltering circulation mode, and a ventilation mode. The plurality ofmodes may be selected through the user's input using the input part 3.The plurality of modes may be selected and performed at different timeslots in a single clothes treatment process. The plurality of modes maybe selected and performed differently based on information sensed by thesensing part 4.

In the bypass circulation mode, the control part 2 controls the steammodule 7 to spray steam into the treatment space 10 s. In the bypasscirculation mode, the control part 2 controls the fan 50 to bring itinto operation. In the bypass circulation mode, the control part 2controls the valve actuating module 80 so as to select the bypasscirculation flow path Pa from among the plurality of flow paths. In thebypass circulation mode, the control part 2 controls in such a way thatthe first valve 70 a is opened and the second valve 70 b is closed. Inthe bypass circulation mode, the control part 2 controls in such a waythat the outer intake portion 47 and the outer discharge portion 48 areclosed. The bypass circulation mode can facilitate efficient supply ofsteam to clothes.

In the filtering circulation mode, the control part 2 controls the steammodule 7 not to spray steam into the treatment space 10 s. In thefiltering circulation mode, the control part 2 controls the fan 50 tobring it into operation. In the filtering circulation mode, the controlpart 2 controls the valve actuating module 80 so as to select thefiltering circulation flow path Pb from among the plurality of flowpaths. In the filtering circulation mode, the control part 2 controls insuch a way that the first valve 70 a is closed and the second valve 70 bis opened. In the filtering circulation mode, the control part 2controls in such a way that the outer intake portion 47 and the outerdischarge portion 48 are closed. In the filtering circulation mode, thecontrol part 2 may control the hanger module 30 so as to make itvibrate. The filtering circulation mode allows for efficient removal ofimpurities clinging to clothes.

In the bypass circulation mode and the filtering circulation mode, thecontrol part 2 may vary the vibration pattern of the hanger module 30.In an example, the control part 2 may control the hanger module 30 tovibrate relatively slowly in the bypass circulation mode and relativelyfast in the filtering circulation mode.

In the ventilation mode, the control part 2 may control the steam module7 not to spray steam into the treatment space 10 s. In the ventilationmode, the control part 2 controls the fan 50 to bring it into operation.In the ventilation mode, the control part 2 may control the valveactuating module 80 so as to select the ventilation flow path Pc fromamong the plurality of flow paths. In the ventilation mode, the controlpart 2 controls in such a way that the first valve 70 a is closed andthe second valve 70 b is closed. In the ventilation mode, the controlpart 2 controls in such a way that the outer intake portion 47 and theouter discharge portion 48 are opened. In the ventilation mode, thecontrol part 2 may control the hanger module 30 not to vibrate. Theventilation mode allows for efficient removal of humidity or odorouscomponents in clothes. Moreover, in the ventilation mode, dust orodorous components in the treatment space 10 s may be released to theoutside, thereby improving the quality of the space in which clothes arestored.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clothes treatment apparatus comprising: acabinet forming a treatment space for storing clothes; a filter modulehaving a filter portion for filtering out dust from air passingtherethrough; an air flow path having a plurality of preset flow pathsfor directing air to be discharged into the treatment space; a fan formoving the air in the air flow path; at least one valve disposed on theair flow path; a valve actuating module for actuating the at least onevalve; and a control part for controlling the valve actuating module soas to select one of the plurality of preset flow paths, the plurality ofpreset flow paths comprising: at least one bypass flow path fordirecting the air to bypass the filter portion; and at least onefiltering flow path for directing the air to pass through the filterportion, wherein the at least one bypass flow path comprises a bypasscirculation flow path for directing air drawn in from inside thetreatment space, and the at least one filtering flow path comprises afiltering circulation flow path for directing air drawn in from insidethe treatment space and a ventilation flow path for directing air drawnin from an outer space of the cabinet.
 2. The clothes treatmentapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a steam module for supplyingsteam into the treatment space, wherein the filter portion comprises aHEPA filter.
 3. The clothes treatment apparatus of claim 2, wherein theat least one bypass flow path is configured to direct air drawn in frominside the treatment space, and wherein the control part is configuredto select one of a plurality of preset modes, the plurality of presetmodes comprising: a bypass mode in which the steam module sprays steaminto the treatment space, the fan is operating, and the at least onebypass flow path is selected from among the plurality of preset flowpaths; and a filtering mode in which the steam mode does not spray steaminto the treatment space, the fan is operating, and the at least onefiltering flow path is selected from among the plurality of flow paths.4. The clothes treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fan isdisposed in a shared section which commonly constitutes part of the atleast one bypass flow path and part of the at least one filtering flowpath, and wherein the clothes treatment apparatus further comprises aheat exchange module which is disposed in the shared section and heatsor cools air.
 5. The clothes treatment apparatus of claim 1 wherein thebypass circulation flow path is formed by sequentially connecting aninner inlet section through which the air in the treatment space isadmitted and a shared section in which air is directed out to thetreatment space, wherein the filtering circulation flow path is formedby sequentially connecting the inner inlet section, a filterpass-through section in which air is directed to pass through the filterportion, and the shared section, and wherein the ventilation flow pathis formed by sequentially connecting an outside air inlet sectionthrough which the air in the outer space is admitted, the filterpass-through section, and the shared section.
 6. The clothes treatmentapparatus of claim 1, wherein the bypass circulation flow path is formedby sequentially connecting an inner inlet section through which the airin the treatment space is admitted and a shared section in which air isdirected out to the treatment space, and wherein the filteringcirculation flow path is formed by sequentially connecting the innerinlet section, a filter pass-through section in which air is directed topass through the filter portion, and the shared section.
 7. The clothestreatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one valvecomprises: a first valve disposed on the at least one bypass circulationflow path to open and close the at least one bypass flow path; and asecond valve disposed on the at least one filtering circulation flowpath to open and close the at least one filtering flow path, and whereinthe valve actuating module comprises a single motor that provides torqueto open and close the first valve and the second valve.
 8. The clothestreatment apparatus of claim 7, wherein the valve actuating module isconfigured in such a way as to select one of a plurality of modesincluding a first mode in which the first valve is opened and the secondvalve is closed, a second mode in which the first valve is closed andthe second valve is opened, and a third mode in which both the firstvalve and the second valve are closed.
 9. The clothes treatmentapparatus of claim 7, wherein the valve actuating module comprises: afirst valve connecting portion connected to the first valve so that thefirst valve rotates together with the rotation of the first valveconnecting portion around a predetermined first rotational axis; asecond valve connecting portion connected to the second valve so thatthe second valve rotates together with the rotation of the second valveconnecting portion around a predetermined second rotational axis; and avalve regulating portion configured to rotate around a predeterminedcentral axis, powered by the motor, and to rotate either the first valveconnecting portion or the second valve connecting portion depending onthe angle of rotation.
 10. The clothes treatment apparatus of claim 9,wherein a first gear portion of the first valve connecting portion and asecond gear portion of the second valve connecting portion arepositioned at the same distance from the central axis, and wherein thevalve regulating portion comprises a driving gear portion configured tomesh with either the first gear portion or the second gear portiondepending on an angle of rotation.
 11. The clothes treatment apparatusof claim 9, wherein the first valve connecting portion comprises a firstgear portion, and the second valve connecting portion comprises a secondgear portion, wherein the valve regulating portion comprises a drivinggear portion formed along the teeth of a gear within a rangepredetermined by an angle Ag2 with respect to the central axis, andwherein an angle Ag1 formed between the predetermined first rotationalaxis and the predetermined second rotational axis with respect to thepredetermined central axis is greater than the angle Ag2.
 12. Theclothes treatment apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first gear portionand the second gear portion have the same shape, and the predeterminedfirst rotational axis and the predetermined second rotational axis arepositioned at the same distance d from the central axis.
 13. The clothestreatment apparatus of claim 9, wherein the valve actuating modulecomprises a power transmitting portion that transmits the torque of themotor to the valve regulating portion.
 14. The clothes treatmentapparatus of claim 13, wherein the power transmitting portion comprisesa worm gear fixed to a motor shaft of the motor to rotate the valveregulating portion, and wherein the valve regulating portion furthercomprises a driven gear portion meshing with the worm gear.
 15. Theclothes treatment apparatus of claim 9, wherein the valve actuatingmodule comprises a constraining portion that restricts a range ofrotation of the valve regulating portion.
 16. The clothes treatmentapparatus of claim 15, wherein the constraining portion comprises: afirst constraining portion that limits a maximum value for rotation ofthe valve regulating portion in a first direction; and a secondconstraining portion that limits a maximum value for rotation of thevalve regulating portion in a second direction, and wherein, when thevalve regulating portion is fully rotated in the first direction, thefirst valve is opened, and when the valve regulating portion is fullyrotated in the second direction, the second valve is opened.
 17. Theclothes treatment apparatus of claim 7, wherein the filter module isplaced between the first valve and the second valve.
 18. The clothestreatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filter module is configuredin such a way as to be pulled out in a direction across the at least onefiltering flow path, and further comprises a cover that covers a sidewhere the filter module is pulled out and that is removably placed onthe cabinet.
 19. The clothes treatment apparatus of claim 18, whereinthe cover forms an inner intake opening through which air is admitted tothe bypass circulation flow path and the filtering circulation flowpath, and further comprises an auxiliary filter removably placed betweenthe filter module and the cover and comprising an auxiliary filterportion which filters out impurities from the air moving to the bypasscirculation flow path and filtering circulation flow path through theinner intake opening but is functionally different from the filterportion.
 20. The clothes treatment apparatus of claim 18, wherein thecover forms at least part of the inner intake opening through which airis admitted to the bypass circulation flow path and the filteringcirculation flow path, and wherein the cover comprises a fragrancesheet.
 21. The clothes treatment apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: an outer intake portion forming an outside air inlet sectionwhich constitutes an upstream end of the ventilation flow path and isconfigured to open and close; and an outer discharge portion forming anexhaust air outlet section which is disposed between the treatment spaceand the outer space and configured to open and close.
 22. The clothestreatment apparatus of claim 21, wherein the control part controls insuch a way that the outer intake portion and the outer discharge portionare opened when the ventilation flow path is selected from among theplurality of preset flow paths, and controls in such a way that theouter intake portion and the outer discharge portion are closed when thebypass circulation flow path or the filtering circulation flow path isselected from among the plurality of preset flow paths.
 23. The clothestreatment apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a door providedrotatably to the cabinet and configured to open and close an opening ofthe treatment space, wherein the outer intake portion is provided at thedoor and configured to connect the plurality of preset flow paths andthe outer space of the cabinet selectively.
 24. The clothes treatmentapparatus of claim 21, further comprising a door provided rotatably tothe cabinet and configured to open and close an opening of the treatmentspace, wherein the outer discharge portion is provided at the door andconfigured to communicate the treatment space and the outer space of thecabinet selectively.
 25. The clothes treatment apparatus of claim 1,wherein the ventilation flow path is formed as (i) an outside air inletsection through which air is drawn in from the outer space of thecabinet, (ii) a filter pass-through section in which air passes throughthe filter portion and (iii) a shared section configured to allow air tobe directed out to the treatment space that are sequentially connectedto each other.
 26. The clothes treatment apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe shared section is configured to allow air to be directed out to thetreatment space.